Atlanta is packed with great food, but eating out regularly can add up fast. The good news: there are plenty of inexpensive restaurants in Atlanta where you can get a satisfying meal without spending much more than you would on groceries.
Whether you live here, commute in for work, or are visiting on a tight budget, this guide walks through where and how to eat well for less in Atlanta, neighborhood by neighborhood and cuisine by cuisine.
Prices move around, but in Atlanta, many people consider a restaurant “inexpensive” if:
You’ll find these prices most reliably at:
| Area / Corridor | What It’s Known For | Typical Price Range* |
|---|---|---|
| Buford Highway | Diverse Asian & Latin American food, big portions | $8–$15 per person |
| Downtown & GSU area | Lunch specials, food courts, quick-service spots | $9–$14 |
| West Midtown & Howell Mill | Tacos, burgers, counter-service chains | $10–$16 |
| East Atlanta / Edgewood / L5P | Pub food, pizza by the slice, vegetarian | $9–$15 |
| Decatur & Avondale | Indian, Mediterranean, cafes | $10–$16 |
| College Park / Southside | Soul food, BBQ, Caribbean | $9–$14 |
*Approximate and can vary by menu and time of day.
If you only remember one thing, remember this: Buford Highway is arguably the best place for inexpensive restaurants in Atlanta.
Stretching roughly from Brookhaven through Doraville and Chamblee, Buford Highway is lined with strip malls packed with:
If you’re driving from central Atlanta, Buford Highway runs roughly parallel to I-85, and many plazas have free parking, which keeps your total outing cost lower.
Downtown, Midtown, and the Georgia State University area cater to office workers and students, which means there are more budget-conscious options than you might expect in the city center.
Near Georgia State University (GSU):
Around Peachtree Center, Edgewood Avenue, and Broad Street, you’ll find:
Five Points & Underground area (when active):
You can usually find daily lunch specials that include an entrée and a side for around $10–$13.
Midtown and West Midtown aren’t the absolute cheapest parts of Atlanta, but there are still plenty of inexpensive restaurants if you know where to look.
Around Peachtree Street, 10th Street, and Tech Square:
Along Spring Street and near Georgia Tech, student-driven demand keeps some prices moderate, especially:
This area has become trendier, but you can still find relatively budget-friendly tacos, burgers, and pizza if you:
Atlanta’s east side neighborhoods are known for their nightlife and arts scene, but they’re also solid choices for people hunting for cheap eats.
Along Flat Shoals Avenue and Glenwood Avenue, look for:
Prices are often lower than in Midtown or Buckhead, especially if you skip cocktails and stick to food.
Near Edgewood Avenue and in Little Five Points (L5P), you can find:
Parking can be a mix of free side-street spaces and paid lots, so factor that into your budget if you’re driving.
Decatur and the nearby Avondale Estates area around College Avenue, Ponce de Leon Avenue, and Church Street have a mix of higher-end restaurants and very affordable neighborhood staples.
Further east toward Clarkston and Stone Mountain, prices often drop even more at:
These can be outstanding choices for family-style meals on a budget.
Near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and along the southside, you’ll find many inexpensive restaurants that locals use for everyday meals.
Look along Main Streets and commercial corridors for:
Many of these spots are takeout-focused with limited seating, which often keeps costs down but still offers generous portions.
Instead of chasing specific names, focus on types of restaurants that are usually budget-friendly in the Atlanta area.
You’ll find these scattered all over metro Atlanta, especially:
Typical plate:
These are usually excellent value and very filling.
Throughout Atlanta, particularly along:
You’ll see:
Tacos can often be $2–$4 each, and a couple of tacos plus a drink can make a budget-friendly meal.
Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, and pan-Asian restaurants that specialize in:
Many noodle dishes are one-bowl meals that keep costs simple and provide a lot of food for the price.
Across intown neighborhoods:
Look along Ponce de Leon Avenue, Moreland Avenue, and college areas for the best value.
Office buildings, malls, and some international markets have small food courts with:
These can be cost-effective at lunch, especially if they offer “two entrées and rice” combination plates.
A few simple strategies make inexpensive restaurants even more affordable.
Many Atlanta restaurants:
🍽 Tip: If you can, shift your main meal to lunch and eat lighter at home in the evening.
Restaurants on Buford Highway, in some soul food spots, and at many pizza places serve portions large enough for:
Ask a server if a dish is large enough to share; they’re usually candid about portion sizes.
To keep your bill low:
Some Atlanta neighborhoods have:
To avoid surprise costs, look for:
If you’re visiting or showing guests around, you may be near tourist-heavy areas where food can be pricey. Here are some general patterns to find cheaper options close by.
Inside the stadiums, food can be more affordable than in some cities, but outside options include:
Plan extra time to walk a few blocks away from the heaviest crowds for better prices.
These are popular and fun but often not the cheapest places to eat.
To save money:
Areas around:
often have low-cost dining options aimed at students. These can include:
Many Atlanta residents who eat out regularly use a few habits to stay on budget:
Atlanta has no shortage of inexpensive restaurants if you know where to look and how to order. Focus on ethnic corridors like Buford Highway, student-heavy zones, soul food and taqueria strips, and lunch specials across the city, and you can enjoy a wide variety of Atlanta’s cuisine without spending much more than you would cooking at home.
